Hamilton family the McLaughlins have been staying with RMHC New Zealand on and off since July 2016 when their son Hamish, only three at the time, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of acute myeloid leukaemia.
Hamish needed a bone marrow transplant, but there were no perfect matches on the worldwide bone marrow register.
As a result, Hamish underwent a half-matched transplant, donated by his dad in November 2016.
Although the transplant initially looked successful, the bone marrow graft had been lost a couple of months later, and Hamish had to undergo a second transplant in April 2017.
During this difficult time, Hamish's family stayed at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland, 125km away from home, while Hamish underwent surgery and therapy nearby in the National's Children's Hospital.
RMHC New Zealand provided them with accommodation and support, as well as schooling for Hamish's older brother Elliot, who was five at the time.
Hamish's mum Haley McLaughlin is thankful for the support of RMHC New Zealand.
"RMHC New Zealand provided the physical and emotional support we needed while going through such a difficult time in our lives.
It allowed us to keep our family together and meant that Hamish had his family by his side during intense treatment and for this we will be forever grateful."
In total, the family has spent almost 258 nights at Ronald McDonald House.
Hamish, now five, is in remission and started school in April.
To help local families like the McLaughlins stay together when their child needs treatment, donate to RMHC New Zealand by texting 'FORT' to 4483 (to donate $3), or by visiting www.rmhc.org.nz/donate.